A 17-year-old who crashed his car in Cambridge whilst three times over the drink drive limit was one of the 91 motorists arrested in December for drink or drug driving. In the case of the 17-year-old he was also found to be driving on a provisional licence and with no insurance.
“Here’s how to land yourself a date with the courts in the new year,” was how Cambridgeshire police described it when posting a photo of the crashed car.
The 91 drink and drug driving related arrests throughout December compared to compared to 83 in December 2022, a nine per cent increase.
“At least 48 of those people have been charged and so far, seven have lost their licences,” said a police spokesperson.
“Calls to the force’s dedicated hotline also more than doubled during the campaign, which warned of the dangers of drink or drug driving.”
Police kept up the momentum to crack down on suspected drink and drug drivers throughout the month.
Over one weekend in December police in Cambridge and Huntingdon stopped 336 vehicles but on this occasion “we’re pleased to say no drivers were over the limit” which police agreed was a good result for their active campaigning.
By mid-December, when Cambridgeshire police carried out spot checks, at least 34 suspected drink or drug drivers had been arrested as they reached roughly half way through their drink drug driving campaign.PC Nick Southern, casualty reduction officer, said: “I hope our campaign has made drivers think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence, and highlighted how long alcohol can remain in your system.
“Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability. If you’re drinking, even if you have just one, arrange another way of getting home.”
He said officers and Specials carried out morning-after roadside checks, stopping hundreds of drivers, including 336 in a single day.
Calls to the dedicated, confidential hotline to report suspected drink and drug drivers more than doubled, with 13 calls in December compared to six calls in November.
There was a total of 98 calls to the hotline in 2023.
The 17-year-old who crashed this car in Cambridge in December will be in court this month for drink driving and also for driving on a provisional licence and with no insurance.
The hotline – 0800 032 0845 – is available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
PC Southern added: “It’s so positive to see calls to our confidential hotline more than doubled last month, and thanks must go to all who have helped us make the county’s roads safer for everyone. One call really could make all the difference.
“Our hotline is open all year round, not just for Christmas. Calls can be made throughout the year and at any time of day or night, so we would encourage others to help us spread the word – whether that’s saving the number or sharing it with others.”
